Back in the ancient times, Chinese doctors would use green tea as a medicinal cure for almost any ailment.

Obviously times have changed and medicine has progressed, but many doctors still profess the health benefits of green tea.

Here are seven ways that green tea can help you stay in tip-top condition.

1. Cancer prevention

It is thought that green tea may go some way in preventing cancer because of the abundance of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) present in green tea.

EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant which is thought to kill cancer cells and prohibit their growth.

2. Beating depression

Green tea consumption may help to increase the levels of serotonin in your brain, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Serotonin is the little, (but incredibly powerful) substance that keeps us happy.

3. Raises metabolism

Many specialists have claimed that green tea raises metabolism, which in turn helps individuals to lose weight at a healthy rate.

4. Lowers cholesterol

Findings published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, showed that green tea could help to lower 'bad' cholesterol.

5. Inhibits the formation of blood clots

EGCG is back again, this time helping to prohibit the formation of blood clots.

This is particularly important when you bear in mind that blood clots are the leading cause of strokes and heart attacks.

6. Prevents tooth decay

Because of its bacteria-destroying properties, green tea can kill off the bacterium that causes plaque and rots our teeth.

The same properties help ward off food poisoning as well.

7. Delay signs of aging

The healing properties in green tea mean that the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles are seriously reduced.

Because of the consumption of more water, green tea keeps us hydrated. This, in turn keeps our skin soft, supple and youthful.

Other health benefits are thought to be the prevention of rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, infection and an impaired immune function.

To top it all of, it's delicious, cheap and smells a treat!

Posted by Freya Harper